What does effective recycling look like in the tech industry?
Contrary to popular belief, the best form of recycling is not stripping computers down for their most valuable individual parts and components before discarding the rest. Why? Because if even one component or part of a computer is discarded as e-waste, it ends up in landfill – thus exacerbating an issue which is growing ever more concerning not just overseas but right here in the UK.
The increasingly wasteful attitude of the technology industry, with its regular upgrades and brand new products, means that consumers are more likely than ever before to seek new models of computers and personal devices before their old ones are rendered unusable. However, despite the negatives of such an attitude, there are positives that we can take away too – namely in the opportunity for outdated models which still work to be recycled, refurbished, and reused.
So, what does it mean to recycle unwanted computers effectively, and what is Computer Aid doing to make recycling more accessible and easier to navigate for both corporate and individual customers and donors?
The two paths for recycled computers
When you decide to donate your old and unwanted computer to an organisation like Computer Aid, it will follow one of two paths.
The first supports our partnerships with both local and international charity groups, taking refurbished computers and giving them a new lease of life in schools, educational facilities, and communities where tech resources are desperately needed. By working with charities on the ground, this recycling option allows us to ensure that devices donated to us are funnelled into places where they are most needed, with donors then provided with reports and impact statements with more information about what their donation has helped to achieve.
The second path for recycled computers which are not suitable for reuse, is safe disposal. Conducted by our team of experts, this route sees us first strip the device of all data and personal information, before breaking it down into its individual components and discarding of them safely and effectively. This ensures that even those items which are unable to be used are not transferred into landfill where they can unparalleled damage to the natural surroundings.
What happens when you donate a computer to Computer Aid?
When you reach out to Computer Aid, either as a corporate partner or an individual donor, you can rest assured that computers you send to us will be either transformed into valuable donations for those in need, or disposed of in a way that ensures 0% of the device ends up in landfill.
With charitable donations at the centre of our work, we are proud to have worked with a number of both local and international partners, facilitating everything from skills building within marginalised communities to increased access to learning resources for local schools, groups, and other facilities.
Here at Computer Aid, we are more aware than ever of the technology gap which is separating communities around the world – with our business model primed to plug these gaps and prevent them from worsening. But we can’t do it without you, which is why donations remain the most important part of our work to counteract e-waste and support those in need of tech resources.
Do I need to wipe my computer before donating it?
While it is advised that donors do all they can to wipe computers before donating them to us, our full service ensures that each and every device is passed through a full data wiping process. This is part of our commitment to donors as well as charitable recipients and forms a major part of our data protection program.
How do I become part of the Computer Aid mission?
It couldn’t be easier to get started as a Computer Aid donor. Simply reach out to us directly so that we can explain the process to you, and if you decide to progress with your donation then we will send someone out to pick up your unwanted computers as soon as possible.